This document contains programming that requires a scriptable browser, such
as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Otherwise, you may not have full
access to this page's features.

Virginia State Police
This document contains programming that requires a scriptable browser, such
as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Otherwise, you may not have full
access to this page's features.

Colonel Gary T. Settle is the Virginia State Police Superintendent and serves as the chief executive officer of the Department.

Appointed by Governor Ralph Northam in December 2017, Colonel Settle oversees the Department's mission to provide the Commonwealth with a comprehensive, responsive statewide police department, independent yet supportive of local and federal law enforcement agencies; to preserve law and order; to enforce traffic and regulatory laws; and, to provide security and safety services to citizens of Virginia. As Superintendent, Colonel Settle leads and manages all aspects of the Department of State Police encompassing the Office of Performance Management and Internal Controls (OPMIC), Office of Internal Affairs, Public Relations Office, Executive Protective Unit, Bureau of Administrative and Support Services (BASS), Bureau of Field Operations (BFO), and Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

Colonel Settle graduated from the Virginia State Police Academy in 1986 as class president of the 78th Basic Session. His first patrol assignment was in Frederick and Clarke counties in the State Police Culpeper Division. During his tenure with State Police, he has served as a Tactical Team supervisor, narcotics and general investigation special agent, firearms instructor, and served on the State Police Honor Guard. As he progressed through the ranks, his assignments have taken him to the State Police Culpeper and Wytheville Divisions. Prior to his appointment as Superintendent, he served as the Director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

Lieutenant Colonel Tracy S. Russillo
Deputy Superintendent

Deputy Superintendent

Lieutenant Colonel Tracy S. Russillo was appointed to the position in August 2016. Lieutenant Colonel Russillo reports to the Superintendent and manages the day-to-day operations of the Superintendent’s Office.

Lieutenant Colonel Russillo joined the Virginia State Police in May 1989 and was a member of the 85th Basic Session. Her first patrol assignment as a trooper was in Spotsylvania County’s Area 5 Office, and she spent an additional two years patrolling in the Culpeper County Area 15 Office. As she has progressed through the VSP ranks, Russillo has served as an Academy sergeant in Richmond and area commander of the Winchester Area 13 Office before being promoted to field lieutenant in the Culpeper Division. In 2008, she achieved the rank of captain, serving as the Fairfax Division commander in the Northern Virginia region. Russillo was promoted to major in 2011 assuming the position of deputy director of the Bureau of Administrative and Support Services (BASS). Colonel W. Steven Flaherty promoted her to the position of BASS director on Dec. 25, 2015.

Professional Standards Unit -- conducts and coordinates the investigations of allegations of misconduct on the part of Department employees, provides the Department with independent and objective audits and reviews of Department operations, and conducts inspections of all organizational components within the Department.

In addition to the Administrative offices located in Richmond,
the Department has uniformed field divisions, uniformed area offices, and criminal investigation field offices strategically located across the Commonwealth. These may be seen on our Office Locations page.

Each office:

Is equipped to provide a rapid response to the daily public safety needs of Virginia's citizens.

Makes its resources readily available to local law enforcement.

Has the ability to mobilize its personnel and equipment within minutes to address any emergency situation throughout the Commonwealth.